Seolleung Dental Clinic: Do Your Gums Show Too Much When You Smile?

Hello. This is Lucid Dental Clinic.

When you smile, have you ever felt that your gums stand out more than your teeth,

or worried because your gum color is too dark?

If you keep catching sight of your gums while practicing your smile in front of the mirror,

gum contouring may be one solution.

Today, at our Seolleung Dental Clinic, we’ll explain in a simple and friendly way

what gum contouring is, when it is needed, and what types there are :)

What is gum contouring?

Gum contouring is a procedure that improves the shape or color of the gums to create a more aesthetically balanced gum line in cases where too much gum shows compared to the teeth,

when the gum line is uneven or asymmetrical,

or when there is significant gum discoloration.

As the name suggests, it is about making not only the teeth but also the gums look more beautiful.

Gum contouring may be performed on its own,

or it may be carried out as an auxiliary procedure before aesthetic restorations such as veneers or crowns.

Different gum contouring methods depending on your concerns

Gum contouring is divided into various methods depending on each person’s gum condition and concerns.

Representative procedures include the following.

Gum resection

This procedure trims excess gum so that the teeth look longer in cases where the teeth appear small or the gums show too much when smiling.

Gum whitening

This procedure restores dark reddish gums to a brighter and healthier appearance when they have become dark due to melanin pigmentation, smoking, or genetic factors. When the gum color becomes clear and pink, it can create a softer impression.

Gum grafting

This is performed when the gums have receded significantly and the tooth roots are exposed. Gum tissue is harvested from the palate or an adjacent area and grafted to the deficient area to restore the gum line. It also helps reduce tooth sensitivity.

Check your gum concerns with this self-check.

If any of the following apply to you,

you may want to consider gum contouring.

▪ Your gums show a lot when you smile. ▪ Your gums have receded and your tooth roots are exposed. ▪ The heights of the left and right gums are uneven or asymmetrical. ▪ Your gums are darkly pigmented, giving a dull impression. ▪ Your gums look abnormally thick or swollen. ▪ Gum adjustment is needed before a prosthetic procedure.

If two or more of the items above apply,

we recommend visiting Seolleung Dental Clinic for an accurate diagnosis.

Before gum contouring, be sure to keep these precautions in mind.

After gum contouring, managing the recovery process well is extremely important.

Please refer to the precautions below.

▪ Please avoid smoking and drinking for a certain period after the procedure. They may affect recovery speed. ▪ Please refrain from foods that can cause staining for at least 2 to 3 days. ▪ Use a soft toothbrush and brush gently so as not to irritate the gums. ▪ It is better to avoid using a straw, as it may interfere with hemostasis. ▪ Using the prescribed medication or mouthwash regularly helps prevent inflammation.

Q&A on gum contouring

Q. Is gum contouring painful? A. Because it is usually performed under local anesthesia, there is almost no pain during the procedure. There may be some slight soreness or swelling afterward, but it typically recovers naturally within a few days.

Q. How many sessions are needed for gum whitening? A. It varies depending on the degree of pigmentation, but effects can usually be seen in about 1 to 2 sessions. Additional procedures may be needed in some cases.

Q. How long does recovery take? A. Resection and whitening generally show relatively quick recovery, and daily life is usually not significantly affected after about 3 to 5 days. Grafting may require a somewhat longer recovery period.

If your gums have always bothered you when you smile, having them naturally refined can make a big difference in both your expression and your confidence.

Because gum contouring varies depending on each person’s oral structure and gum condition, an accurate diagnosis by a specialist is essential. At our Seolleung Dental Clinic, we provide safe solutions for your gum concerns based on extensive experience and precise diagnosis.

Even a consultation alone may help answer your questions,

so please feel free to contact us.

Lucid Dental Clinic will be with you so you can keep smiling for a long time with just one procedure :)

Lucid Dental Clinic 3rd–4th floors, Coway Building, 606 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul